US20110118881A1 - Portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline - Google Patents
Portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110118881A1 US20110118881A1 US12/591,382 US59138209A US2011118881A1 US 20110118881 A1 US20110118881 A1 US 20110118881A1 US 59138209 A US59138209 A US 59138209A US 2011118881 A1 US2011118881 A1 US 2011118881A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- portable
- control
- control device
- chamber
- sprinkling
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
- F16K31/36—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor
- F16K31/40—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor
- F16K31/402—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor acting on a diaphragm
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
- A01G25/16—Control of watering
- A01G25/162—Sequential operation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
- A01G25/16—Control of watering
- A01G25/165—Cyclic operations, timing systems, timing valves, impulse operations
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
- F16K37/0025—Electrical or magnetic means
- F16K37/0041—Electrical or magnetic means for measuring valve parameters
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
- G05D16/04—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power
- G05D16/06—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
- G05D16/063—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the sensing element being a membrane
- G05D16/0644—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the sensing element being a membrane the membrane acting directly on the obturator
- G05D16/0655—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the sensing element being a membrane the membrane acting directly on the obturator using one spring-loaded membrane
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
- G05D16/20—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D16/2093—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with combination of electric and non-electric auxiliary power
- G05D16/2095—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with combination of electric and non-electric auxiliary power using membranes within the main valve
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86389—Programmer or timer
- Y10T137/86397—With independent valve controller
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86389—Programmer or timer
- Y10T137/86405—Repeating cycle
- Y10T137/86421—Variable
- Y10T137/86429—Attachable and removable element
Definitions
- the invention relates to a sprinkling control valve, and more particularly to a portable control instrument capable of one-to-many control.
- a conventional sprinkler system 90 for watering a lawn at a large area includes a controlling machine 91 with a plurality of control knobs 92 . Moreover, a plurality of aqueducts 95 are placed under the ground at the area to be watered.
- a control valve 96 is provided at each of the sprinkled areas A, B, C, . . . , N.
- the duration of the on/off state of the control valves 96 is controlled by the controlling machine 91 via a cable 97 . In this way, a desired effect to apply water to the sprinkling areas A, B, C, N is achieved.
- a sprinkling control valve 80 is fitted to the pipe for each of different sprinkling areas A, B, C, . . . , N.
- the sprinkling control valve 80 includes a main body 81 with a water inlet 811 at the front end thereof as well as a water outlet 812 at the rear end thereof.
- the main body 81 includes a valve (not shown) for controlling the on/off state thereof and a housing 82 at the top thereof.
- a control panel 83 and a cover 84 are mounted on the top of the housing 82 .
- the control panel 83 is adapted to control the activation time of the sprinkling control valves 80 according to the desired sprinkling duration for each of the areas A, B, C, . . . , N.
- each of the sprinkling pipes 70 has to be fitted with a sprinkling control valve 80 having the control panel 83 .
- the inside of the control panel 83 has control unit such as microprocessor which takes up the substantial part of cost of the sprinkling control valve 80 .
- control unit such as microprocessor which takes up the substantial part of cost of the sprinkling control valve 80 .
- a hundred of control panels 83 must be used as well.
- each of the control panel 83 requires the electric power for a smooth operation.
- a big battery or many small batteries (not shown) have to be installed within the housing 82 for supplying the electric power to the control panel 83 .
- the batteries have to be replaced. The replacement of the batteries requires the detachment of the control panel 83 , thereby putting the operator to great inconvenience.
- the most substantial problem is that, when there are a hundred of sprinkling control valves 80 , the operator has to set the sprinkling time at each of the control panels 83 of the 100 sprinkling control valves 80 . Furthermore, the control panel 83 is small so that it is difficult and inconvenient for its operation. Besides, it is not possible to integrate the data of the sprinkling control valves 80 for an effective data management. As a result, a more scientific control management is not achieved. This requires further improvement.
- An object of the invention is to provide a portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline wherein several sprinkling control valves may be controlled by only one control instrument such that they are activated at a preset time. Accordingly, a convenient installation, a practical adjustment, and a cost- and energy-saving effect is achieved.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline wherein the control instrument is portable. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure the control instrument to the sprinkling control valves. In this way, the control instrument is not easy to be damaged, thereby increasing the service life of the product. Meanwhile, a reliable operation of the product is ensured.
- a further object of the invention is to provide a portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline wherein the control instrument can be connected to the personal computer.
- the operation and the setting process may be completed by the computer. Thereafter, a mutual data transmission may take place. Accordingly, a convenient use is achieved. Furthermore, all of the sprinkling data may be easily controlled, thereby fulfilling the requirements of accurate control and scientific management.
- the invention includes:
- an electromagnetic solenoid positioned on the control valve, the electromagnetic solenoid having a shaft stopper for opening or closing the bypass passage, thereby raising or lowering a valve body within the control valve as well as enabling the sprinkling waterflow in a passing-through state or in a blocked state,
- a mounting body sits on the top of the control valve, and the mounting body is shaped higher than the electromagnetic solenoid; wherein a memory and drive unit is positioned within the mounting body and powered by a battery, and a first transmission interface is provided at the front end of the first transmission interface while the rear end thereof is in electric connection to the electromagnetic solenoid, and the memory and drive unit is employed for saving data and for activating the electromagnetic solenoid at a preset time (according to the saved data) to raise/lower the shaft stopper; wherein the portable control instrument includes a housing corresponding to the mounting body, a display screen positioned on the surface of the housing, an operation interface, and a connection port, and wherein a second transmission interface is disposed at the bottom of the housing, and when the portable control instrument approaches to the mounting body, the second transmission interface can be electrically connected to the first transmission interface of the memory and drive unit, and wherein a microprocessor is positioned within the housing and electrically connected to the operation interface, the connection port, and the second transmission interface, and
- FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a system type sprinkler control device of the prior art
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional sprinkling control valve
- FIG. 3 is an application view of the conventional sprinkling control valve
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded perspective views of a control device in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective assembly view of a control device in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of a control device in accordance with the invention in a closed state
- FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of a control device in accordance with the invention in an opened state
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the control device in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 9 is an application view of the control valve in accordance with the invention.
- a sprinkler system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of sprinkling pipes 70 , and an electromagnetic solenoid 20 .
- a control valve 10 is fitted to each of the sprinkling pipes 70 for controlling the on/off state of the sprinkling water.
- the control valve 10 includes (but should not be limited thereto) a main body 11 , a hood body 19 , and a valve-lifting unit 18
- the main body 11 includes a water inlet 12 at the front end thereof and a water outlet 13 at the rear end thereof.
- the main body 11 is attached to the sprinkling pipeline.
- a first chamber 14 and a second chamber 15 are interposed between the water inlet 12 and the water outlet 13 .
- a through hole 141 is formed above the first chamber 14 of the main body 11 .
- the hood body 19 is positioned at the top of the main body 11 , and a diaphragm 17 sits in the through hole 141 such that a third chamber 16 is created in the hollow room of the hood body 19 .
- a bypass passage 22 is disposed at the side of the third chamber 16 and under the electromagnetic solenoid 20 . Moreover, the water outlet 221 of the bypass passage 22 leads to the second chamber 15 .
- the valve-lifting unit 18 includes a cross plate 181 at the central part thereof.
- the cross plate 181 is secured to the diaphragm 17 .
- An upright hollow tube 182 is extended through the center thereof.
- a valve body 183 is attached to the bottom of the cross plate 181 and positioned at the top of the first chamber 14 for controlling the first and second chambers 14 in a separation or communication state.
- a spring 184 fits over the upright hollow tube 182 above the cross plate 181 .
- the bottom of the upright hollow tube 182 includes an inflow hole 185 within the first chamber 14 while the top of the upright hollow tube 182 has an outflow hole 186 within the third chamber 16 .
- the electromagnetic solenoid 20 is positioned on the control valve 10 .
- the electromagnetic solenoid 20 includes a shaft stopper 21 for the bypass passage 22 .
- the bypass passage 22 can be opened or closed when the shaft stopper 21 moves in a retracted or extended position. In this way, the valve body 183 within the control valve 10 is raised or lowered such that the first and second chambers 14 , 15 are separated from each other (see FIG. 6 ) or communicate with each other (see FIG. 7 ).
- the shaft stopper 21 is extended to close the bypass passage 22 , the sprinkling water flows from the water inlet 12 through the first chamber 14 and enters through the inflow hole 185 into the upright hollow tube 182 .
- a mounting body 30 sits on the top of the main body 11 of the control valve 10 .
- the mounting body 30 may be formed individually and then secured to the control valve 10 .
- the mounting body 30 may be integrally formed with the hood body 19 .
- the mounting body 30 has an opening 31 in a circular, square, oval, etc. shape.
- the mounting body 30 is shaped higher than the electromagnetic solenoid 20 for enclosing it.
- a memory and drive unit 40 is positioned within the mounting body 30 and powered by a battery 44 .
- the memory and drive unit 40 is installed at the side of the electromagnetic solenoid 20 with a first transmission interface 41 positioned at the front end thereof.
- the first transmission interface 41 is constructed as a male connector or a female connector in which a plurality of signal and power transmission lines 42 are combined.
- the first transmission interface 41 is secured to a positioning body 45 with a cable 43 in electric connection to the electromagnetic solenoid 20 .
- the memory and drive unit 40 is a control unit for saving data and for activating the electromagnetic solenoid 20 at a preset time (according to the saved data) to raise/lower the shaft stopper 21 .
- the circuit and the components have been packaged to be a small box.
- the memory element and the driving circuit are obvious for one skilled in the art so that no further descriptions thereto are given hereinafter.
- the mounting body 30 includes an opening 31 .
- the opening 31 is covered with a detachable protection cover 32 to prevent the rain from entering into the mounting body 30 when not in use.
- the protection cover 32 may be opened.
- a covering face 33 is integrally formed with the mounting body 30 such that the opening 31 is constantly closed or covered except the first transmission interface 41 .
- the first transmission interface 41 may be additionally covered by a small cover 331 .
- the small cover 331 may be detached for use.
- the mounting body 30 may include a battery cover 35 at the side thereof for an easy replacement of batteries therein.
- the control device in accordance with the invention further includes a portable control instrument 50 .
- the portable control instrument 50 includes a housing 501 corresponding to the mounting body 30 , a display screen 51 positioned on the surface of the housing 501 , an operation interface 52 , and a connection port 53 .
- a second transmission interface 54 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 501 .
- the second transmission interface 54 can be electrically connected to the first transmission interface 41 of the memory and drive unit 40 .
- a microprocessor 55 is positioned within the housing 501 and electrically connected to the operation interface 52 , the connection port 53 , and the second transmission interface 54 .
- the housing 501 internally includes a DC power source 56 for supplying the electric power to the display screen 51 and the microprocessor 55 .
- the first and second transmission interfaces 41 , 54 conduct a contact type transmission or a wireless transmission.
- the first and second transmission interfaces 41 , 54 can be constructed as a connector or a plug for the contact type transmission.
- they can be constructed as a wireless transmitter/receiver for the wireless transmission. The wireless transmission done through infrared, bluetooth, and light is well-known so that no further descriptions thereto are given hereinafter.
- the portable control instrument 50 can be movably and electrically connected to the memory and drive unit 40 of the different control valve 10 .
- the preset instructions can be saved in the memory and drive unit 40 for controlling the activation time of the electromagnetic solenoids 20 , respectively. In this way, many control valves 10 can be set and controlled by only one portable control instrument 50 .
- connection port 53 of the portable control instrument 50 is electrically connected to a computer 61 for a mutual data transmission.
- the DC power source 56 of the portable control instrument 50 includes a battery 57 positioned within the housing 501 .
- the DC power source of the portable control instrument 50 includes an accumulator 58 within the housing 501 .
- the accumulator 58 has a charging port 59 which is electrically connectable to an external power source 62 for executing the charging process.
- the on/off state of the control valves 10 at the sprinkling areas A, B, N may be controlled by only one portable control instrument 50 .
- the protection cover 32 is placed at the top of the mounting body 30 .
- the cover 32 is so removed (see FIG. 4A ) that the second transmission interface 54 and the first transmission interface 41 of the memory and drive unit 40 are connected to each other.
- the memory and drive unit 40 may receive and save the instructions of the portable control instrument 50 .
- the portable control instrument 50 may be removed and then used for the next control valve 10 .
- the driving circuit within the memory and drive unit 40 will be activated to move the shaft stopper 21 of the electromagnetic solenoid 20 upward and downward when the preset time is up, thereby enabling the sprinkling waterflow in a passing-through state or in a blocked state.
- sprinkling control valves may be controlled by only one control instrument such that an automatic activation takes place at a preset time.
- a convenient installation is achieved.
- the cost and the energy may be reduced.
- it is not easy to damage the control instrument thereby increasing the service life of the product.
- a reliable operation of the product is ensured.
- the operation and the setting process may be done by the computer. Thereafter, a mutual data transmission may take place. Accordingly, a convenient use is achieved.
- all of the sprinkling data may be easily controlled, thereby fulfilling the requirements of accurate control and scientific management.
Abstract
A portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline including a plurality of control valves at the sprinkler pipeline. The control valve has a main body; a memory and drive unit positioned within the mounting body; and a portable control instrument movably and electrically connected to the memory and drive unit of the different control valve. According to the data saved in the microprocessor and the different requirements of the control valves, the preset instructions can be saved in the memory and drive unit for controlling the activation time of the electromagnetic solenoids, respectively. In this way, many control valves can be set and controlled by only one portable control instrument. Accordingly, the cost can be saved and it is not necessary to be placed outside for the protection from damage. Meanwhile, it is easy to connect to the personal computer for a mutual data transmission, thereby achieving a more convenient and accurate control of the sprinkling process.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a sprinkling control valve, and more particularly to a portable control instrument capable of one-to-many control.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , aconventional sprinkler system 90 for watering a lawn at a large area (such as parks, house gardens, golf courses, etc.) includes a controllingmachine 91 with a plurality ofcontrol knobs 92. Moreover, a plurality ofaqueducts 95 are placed under the ground at the area to be watered. Acontrol valve 96 is provided at each of the sprinkled areas A, B, C, . . . , N. When the water is delivered by apump 94 of awater supply unit 93 to theaqueducts 95, the duration of the on/off state of thecontrol valves 96 is controlled by the controllingmachine 91 via acable 97. In this way, a desired effect to apply water to the sprinkling areas A, B, C, N is achieved. - However, the above-mentioned
sprinkler system 90 requires professionals for installing theaqueducts 95 in advance. The work is huge and it is difficult for the installation work. Moreover, the controllingmachine 91 has to be installed indoors. Moreover, the AC current passing through atransformer 99 is supplied to the controllingmachine 91. Such a structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,554. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , another sprinkling control system does not require a pre-installation ofaqueducts 95. Thesprinkling pipes 70 lie directly on the ground. Asprinkling control valve 80 is fitted to the pipe for each of different sprinkling areas A, B, C, . . . , N. Thesprinkling control valve 80 includes amain body 81 with awater inlet 811 at the front end thereof as well as awater outlet 812 at the rear end thereof. Themain body 81 includes a valve (not shown) for controlling the on/off state thereof and ahousing 82 at the top thereof. Acontrol panel 83 and acover 84 are mounted on the top of thehousing 82. Thecontrol panel 83 is adapted to control the activation time of thesprinkling control valves 80 according to the desired sprinkling duration for each of the areas A, B, C, . . . , N. - Regarding the above-mentioned control systems, the latter is superior to the former due to the convenient installation. However, each of the
sprinkling pipes 70 has to be fitted with asprinkling control valve 80 having thecontrol panel 83. The inside of thecontrol panel 83 has control unit such as microprocessor which takes up the substantial part of cost of thesprinkling control valve 80. In other words, if there are a hundred ofsprinkling control valves 80, a hundred ofcontrol panels 83 must be used as well. Moreover, each of thecontrol panel 83 requires the electric power for a smooth operation. Thus, a big battery or many small batteries (not shown) have to be installed within thehousing 82 for supplying the electric power to thecontrol panel 83. When the electric power is used up, the batteries have to be replaced. The replacement of the batteries requires the detachment of thecontrol panel 83, thereby putting the operator to great inconvenience. - In addition, the most substantial problem is that, when there are a hundred of
sprinkling control valves 80, the operator has to set the sprinkling time at each of thecontrol panels 83 of the 100sprinkling control valves 80. Furthermore, thecontrol panel 83 is small so that it is difficult and inconvenient for its operation. Besides, it is not possible to integrate the data of thesprinkling control valves 80 for an effective data management. As a result, a more scientific control management is not achieved. This requires further improvement. - An object of the invention is to provide a portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline wherein several sprinkling control valves may be controlled by only one control instrument such that they are activated at a preset time. Accordingly, a convenient installation, a practical adjustment, and a cost- and energy-saving effect is achieved.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline wherein the control instrument is portable. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure the control instrument to the sprinkling control valves. In this way, the control instrument is not easy to be damaged, thereby increasing the service life of the product. Meanwhile, a reliable operation of the product is ensured.
- A further object of the invention is to provide a portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline wherein the control instrument can be connected to the personal computer. The operation and the setting process may be completed by the computer. Thereafter, a mutual data transmission may take place. Accordingly, a convenient use is achieved. Furthermore, all of the sprinkling data may be easily controlled, thereby fulfilling the requirements of accurate control and scientific management.
- In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the invention includes:
- a) a plurality of sprinkling pipes with a control valve fitted to each of the sprinkling pipes for controlling the on/off state of the sprinkling water; and
- b) an electromagnetic solenoid positioned on the control valve, the electromagnetic solenoid having a shaft stopper for opening or closing the bypass passage, thereby raising or lowering a valve body within the control valve as well as enabling the sprinkling waterflow in a passing-through state or in a blocked state,
- wherein a mounting body sits on the top of the control valve, and the mounting body is shaped higher than the electromagnetic solenoid;
wherein a memory and drive unit is positioned within the mounting body and powered by a battery, and a first transmission interface is provided at the front end of the first transmission interface while the rear end thereof is in electric connection to the electromagnetic solenoid, and the memory and drive unit is employed for saving data and for activating the electromagnetic solenoid at a preset time (according to the saved data) to raise/lower the shaft stopper;
wherein the portable control instrument includes a housing corresponding to the mounting body, a display screen positioned on the surface of the housing, an operation interface, and a connection port, and wherein a second transmission interface is disposed at the bottom of the housing, and when the portable control instrument approaches to the mounting body, the second transmission interface can be electrically connected to the first transmission interface of the memory and drive unit, and wherein a microprocessor is positioned within the housing and electrically connected to the operation interface, the connection port, and the second transmission interface, and wherein the housing internally includes a DC power source for supplying the electric power to the display screen and the microprocessor,
whereby the portable control instrument can be movably and electrically connected to the memory and drive unit of the different control valves; according to the data in the microprocessor and the different requirements of the control valves, the preset instructions can be transmitted and saved in the memory and drive unit for controlling the activation time of the electromagnetic solenoids, respectively; accordingly, many control valves can be set and controlled by only one portable control instrument. - The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions and its accompanying figures of which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a system type sprinkler control device of the prior art; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional sprinkling control valve; -
FIG. 3 is an application view of the conventional sprinkling control valve; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded perspective views of a control device in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective assembly view of a control device in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of a control device in accordance with the invention in a closed state; -
FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of a control device in accordance with the invention in an opened state; -
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the control device in accordance with the invention; and -
FIG. 9 is an application view of the control valve in accordance with the invention. - First of all, referring to
FIGS. 4 through 9 , a sprinkler system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of sprinklingpipes 70, and anelectromagnetic solenoid 20. - A
control valve 10 is fitted to each of the sprinklingpipes 70 for controlling the on/off state of the sprinkling water. According to this embodiment, thecontrol valve 10 includes (but should not be limited thereto) amain body 11, ahood body 19, and a valve-liftingunit 18 - The
main body 11 includes awater inlet 12 at the front end thereof and awater outlet 13 at the rear end thereof. Themain body 11 is attached to the sprinkling pipeline. Afirst chamber 14 and asecond chamber 15 are interposed between thewater inlet 12 and thewater outlet 13. A throughhole 141 is formed above thefirst chamber 14 of themain body 11. - The
hood body 19 is positioned at the top of themain body 11, and adiaphragm 17 sits in the throughhole 141 such that athird chamber 16 is created in the hollow room of thehood body 19. Abypass passage 22 is disposed at the side of thethird chamber 16 and under theelectromagnetic solenoid 20. Moreover, thewater outlet 221 of thebypass passage 22 leads to thesecond chamber 15. - The valve-lifting
unit 18 includes across plate 181 at the central part thereof. Thecross plate 181 is secured to thediaphragm 17. An uprighthollow tube 182 is extended through the center thereof. Avalve body 183 is attached to the bottom of thecross plate 181 and positioned at the top of thefirst chamber 14 for controlling the first andsecond chambers 14 in a separation or communication state. Aspring 184 fits over the uprighthollow tube 182 above thecross plate 181. The bottom of the uprighthollow tube 182 includes aninflow hole 185 within thefirst chamber 14 while the top of the uprighthollow tube 182 has anoutflow hole 186 within thethird chamber 16. - The
electromagnetic solenoid 20 is positioned on thecontrol valve 10. Theelectromagnetic solenoid 20 includes ashaft stopper 21 for thebypass passage 22. Thebypass passage 22 can be opened or closed when theshaft stopper 21 moves in a retracted or extended position. In this way, thevalve body 183 within thecontrol valve 10 is raised or lowered such that the first andsecond chambers FIG. 6 ) or communicate with each other (seeFIG. 7 ). In other words, when theshaft stopper 21 is extended to close thebypass passage 22, the sprinkling water flows from thewater inlet 12 through thefirst chamber 14 and enters through theinflow hole 185 into the uprighthollow tube 182. Thereafter, it flows out of theoutflow hole 186 and enters into thethird chamber 16. At that time, thebypass passage 22 is blocked by theshaft stopper 21, and the water within thethird chamber 16 can't be drained, thereby applying a pressure to thecross plate 181. As a result, thevalve body 183 is pushed against the top of thefirst chamber 14. In this way, the sprinkling water is not able to flow to thesecond chamber 15 and thewater outlet 13, thereby creating a closed state. - To the contrary, as shown in
FIG. 7 , when theshaft stopper 21 is retracted to open thebypass passage 22, the pressure created by the water flowing into thefirst chamber 14 acts on valve-liftingunit 18 such that thevalve body 183 is raised to open the passage between the first andsecond chambers - The above-mentioned principle and structure belongs to the prior art so that no further descriptions thereto are given hereinafter.
- Referring to the drawing, the features of the invention will be detailed hereinafter.
- A mounting
body 30 sits on the top of themain body 11 of thecontrol valve 10. The mountingbody 30 may be formed individually and then secured to thecontrol valve 10. Alternatively, the mountingbody 30 may be integrally formed with thehood body 19. Besides, the mountingbody 30 has anopening 31 in a circular, square, oval, etc. shape. The mountingbody 30 is shaped higher than theelectromagnetic solenoid 20 for enclosing it. - A memory and drive
unit 40 is positioned within the mountingbody 30 and powered by abattery 44. In this embodiment, the memory and driveunit 40 is installed at the side of theelectromagnetic solenoid 20 with afirst transmission interface 41 positioned at the front end thereof. Thefirst transmission interface 41 is constructed as a male connector or a female connector in which a plurality of signal andpower transmission lines 42 are combined. Thefirst transmission interface 41 is secured to apositioning body 45 with acable 43 in electric connection to theelectromagnetic solenoid 20. The memory and driveunit 40 is a control unit for saving data and for activating theelectromagnetic solenoid 20 at a preset time (according to the saved data) to raise/lower theshaft stopper 21. According to the memory and driveunit 40 in this embodiment, the circuit and the components have been packaged to be a small box. The memory element and the driving circuit are obvious for one skilled in the art so that no further descriptions thereto are given hereinafter. - As shown in
FIG. 4A , the mountingbody 30 includes anopening 31. Theopening 31 is covered with adetachable protection cover 32 to prevent the rain from entering into the mountingbody 30 when not in use. In use, theprotection cover 32 may be opened. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 4B , a coveringface 33 is integrally formed with the mountingbody 30 such that theopening 31 is constantly closed or covered except thefirst transmission interface 41. Thefirst transmission interface 41 may be additionally covered by a small cover 331. In use, the small cover 331 may be detached for use. According to this structure, the mountingbody 30 may include abattery cover 35 at the side thereof for an easy replacement of batteries therein. - Referring to
FIGS. 6 through 8 , the control device in accordance with the invention further includes aportable control instrument 50. Theportable control instrument 50 includes ahousing 501 corresponding to the mountingbody 30, adisplay screen 51 positioned on the surface of thehousing 501, anoperation interface 52, and aconnection port 53. Asecond transmission interface 54 is disposed at the bottom of thehousing 501. When theportable control instrument 50 approaches to theopening 31, thesecond transmission interface 54 can be electrically connected to thefirst transmission interface 41 of the memory and driveunit 40. Moreover, amicroprocessor 55 is positioned within thehousing 501 and electrically connected to theoperation interface 52, theconnection port 53, and thesecond transmission interface 54. Moreover, thehousing 501 internally includes aDC power source 56 for supplying the electric power to thedisplay screen 51 and themicroprocessor 55. According to this embodiment, the first and second transmission interfaces 41, 54 conduct a contact type transmission or a wireless transmission. For example, the first and second transmission interfaces 41, 54 can be constructed as a connector or a plug for the contact type transmission. Alternatively, they can be constructed as a wireless transmitter/receiver for the wireless transmission. The wireless transmission done through infrared, bluetooth, and light is well-known so that no further descriptions thereto are given hereinafter. - Based on the above-mentioned structure, the
portable control instrument 50 can be movably and electrically connected to the memory and driveunit 40 of thedifferent control valve 10. Besides, according to the data saved in themicroprocessor 55 and the different requirements of thecontrol valves 10, the preset instructions can be saved in the memory and driveunit 40 for controlling the activation time of theelectromagnetic solenoids 20, respectively. In this way,many control valves 10 can be set and controlled by only oneportable control instrument 50. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , theconnection port 53 of theportable control instrument 50 is electrically connected to acomputer 61 for a mutual data transmission. - Besides, the
DC power source 56 of theportable control instrument 50 includes abattery 57 positioned within thehousing 501. - In addition, the DC power source of the
portable control instrument 50 includes anaccumulator 58 within thehousing 501. Theaccumulator 58 has a chargingport 59 which is electrically connectable to anexternal power source 62 for executing the charging process. - Based on the above-mentioned structure, as shown in
FIG. 9 , the on/off state of thecontrol valves 10 at the sprinkling areas A, B, N may be controlled by only oneportable control instrument 50. Normally, theprotection cover 32 is placed at the top of the mountingbody 30. In connecting theportable control instrument 50 to the mountingbody 30, thecover 32 is so removed (seeFIG. 4A ) that thesecond transmission interface 54 and thefirst transmission interface 41 of the memory and driveunit 40 are connected to each other. In this way, the memory and driveunit 40 may receive and save the instructions of theportable control instrument 50. Thereafter, theportable control instrument 50 may be removed and then used for thenext control valve 10. The driving circuit within the memory and driveunit 40 will be activated to move theshaft stopper 21 of theelectromagnetic solenoid 20 upward and downward when the preset time is up, thereby enabling the sprinkling waterflow in a passing-through state or in a blocked state. - In summary, several sprinkling control valves may be controlled by only one control instrument such that an automatic activation takes place at a preset time. Thus, a convenient installation is achieved. Meanwhile, the cost and the energy may be reduced. Moreover, it is not necessary to fix the control instrument on the sprinkling control valve. As a result, it is not easy to damage the control instrument, thereby increasing the service life of the product. Meanwhile, a reliable operation of the product is ensured. In addition, the operation and the setting process may be done by the computer. Thereafter, a mutual data transmission may take place. Accordingly, a convenient use is achieved. Furthermore, all of the sprinkling data may be easily controlled, thereby fulfilling the requirements of accurate control and scientific management.
Claims (9)
1. A portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline, comprising:
a) a plurality of sprinkling pipes with a control valve fitted to each of the sprinkling pipes for controlling the on/off state of the sprinkling water; and
b) an electromagnetic solenoid positioned on the control valve, the electromagnetic solenoid having a shaft stopper for opening or closing the bypass passage, thereby raising or lowering a valve body within the control valve as well as enabling the sprinkling waterflow in a passing-through state or in a blocked state,
wherein a mounting body sits on the top of the control valve, and the mounting body is shaped higher than the electromagnetic solenoid;
wherein a memory and drive unit is positioned within the mounting body and powered by a battery, and a first transmission interface is provided at the front end of the first transmission interface while the rear end thereof is in electric connection to the electromagnetic solenoid, and the memory and drive unit is employed for saving data and for activating the electromagnetic solenoid at a preset time (according to the saved data) to raise/lower the shaft stopper;
wherein the portable control instrument includes a housing corresponding to the mounting body, a display screen positioned on the surface of the housing, an operation interface, and a connection port, and wherein a second transmission interface is disposed at the bottom of the housing, and when the portable control instrument approaches to the mounting body, the second transmission interface can be electrically connected to the first transmission interface of the memory and drive unit, and wherein a microprocessor is positioned within the housing and electrically connected to the operation interface, the connection port, and the second transmission interface, and wherein the housing internally includes a DC power source for supplying the electric power to the display screen and the microprocessor,
whereby the portable control instrument can be movably and electrically connected to the memory and drive unit of the different control valves; according to the data in the microprocessor and the different requirements of the control valves, the preset instructions can be transmitted and saved in the memory and drive unit for controlling the activation time of the electromagnetic solenoids, respectively; accordingly, many control valves can be set and controlled by only one portable control instrument.
2. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 1 wherein the connection port of the portable control instrument is electrically connected to a computer 61 for a mutual data transmission.
3. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 1 wherein the DC power source of the portable control instrument includes a battery positioned within the housing.
4. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 3 wherein the DC power source of the portable control instrument includes an accumulator within the housing, and wherein the accumulator has a charging port which is electrically connectable to an external power source for executing the charging process.
5. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 1 wherein the first and second transmission interfaces conduct a contact type transmission or a wireless transmission.
6. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 3 wherein the mounting body includes an opening, and the opening is covered with a detachable protection cover.
7. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 1 wherein a covering face is formed on the surface of the mounting body.
8. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 7 wherein the covering face includes an opening for the first transmission interface, and the opening can be covered by a small cover.
9. The portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline as recited in claim 1 wherein the control valve includes:
a) a main body having a water inlet at the front end thereof and a water outlet at the rear end thereof, the main body being attached to the sprinkling pipeline, a first chamber and a second chamber being interposed between the water inlet and the water outlet, a through hole being formed above the first chamber of the main body;
b) a hood body positioned at the top of the main body, a diaphragm sitting in the through hole such that a third chamber is created in the hollow room of the hood body, a bypass passage being disposed at the side of the third chamber and under the electromagnetic solenoid, the water outlet of the bypass passage leading to the second chamber; and
c) a valve-lifting unit having a cross plate at the central part thereof, the cross plate being secured to the diaphragm, an upright hollow tube being extended through the center thereof, a valve body being attached to the bottom of the cross plate and positioned at the top of the first chamber for controlling the first and second chambers in a separation or communication state, a spring fitting over the upright hollow tube above the cross plate, the bottom of the upright hollow tube having an inflow hole within the first chamber while the top of the upright hollow tube has an outflow hole within the third chamber.
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US12/591,382 US8297312B2 (en) | 2009-11-18 | 2009-11-18 | Portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline |
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US12/591,382 US8297312B2 (en) | 2009-11-18 | 2009-11-18 | Portable one-to-many control device for a sprinkler pipeline |
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US8297312B2 US8297312B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 |
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CN103867774A (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2014-06-18 | 北京华大智宝电子系统有限公司 | Multi-valve hierarchical controller |
US9091360B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2015-07-28 | II Lawrence L. Frahm | Pressure limiting valve and alternative method for testing a backflow preventer using the same |
US9303777B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2016-04-05 | II Lawrence L. Frahm | Pressure limiting valve and alternative method for testing a backflow preventer using the same |
USD770309S1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2016-11-01 | Bookleaf Pty Ltd. | Tap timer housing |
US20180106655A1 (en) * | 2016-10-19 | 2018-04-19 | Medtec Medical, Inc | Electronic flowmeter with regulator |
US10488872B2 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2019-11-26 | Samson Ag | Actuating drive device process valves |
AT16739U1 (en) * | 2019-03-18 | 2020-07-15 | Msg Mechatronic Systems Gmbh | Valve for a motor vehicle |
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WO2012124349A1 (en) * | 2011-03-17 | 2012-09-20 | 株式会社ティアンドデイ | Valve system |
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US9091360B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2015-07-28 | II Lawrence L. Frahm | Pressure limiting valve and alternative method for testing a backflow preventer using the same |
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CN103867774A (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2014-06-18 | 北京华大智宝电子系统有限公司 | Multi-valve hierarchical controller |
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EP3290695B1 (en) * | 2016-08-12 | 2023-05-24 | Artemis Intelligent Power Limited | Valve for fluid working machine, fluid working machine and method of operation |
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AT16739U1 (en) * | 2019-03-18 | 2020-07-15 | Msg Mechatronic Systems Gmbh | Valve for a motor vehicle |
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